Digital Commons Network^™

Latinx Sleep Health Disparities In Primary Care: The Role Of Patient-Provider Communication, Amy L. Fraire

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Poor sleep is linked to various adverse health outcomes, and Latinx often experience shorter and poorer sleep relative to non-Hispanic whites (NHWs). Despite growing attention to racial/ethnic sleep health disparities, there is a notable dearth in the literature on patient-provider communication about sleep (Sleep Communication) during primary care visits, particularly among Latinx patients. To address this gap, this study provides initial insights into the incidence of Sleep Communication among Latinx and NHW primary care patients (N = 210), as well as if patient race/ethnicity and Sleep Communication collectively relate to patient satisfaction with their PCP or perceptions of culturally sensitive …

Akt Disruption Leads To Non-Canonical Apical Constriction In Drosophila Embryos, Vincent Brown

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The Akt/mTOR pathway (Akt pathway) has largely been examined in terms of its role as the primary nutrient sensing pathway due to its ability to recognize nutrient availability within a cell, particularly amino acids and glucose. Among its nutrient sensing characteristics, this pathway also contributes to a large variety of other cell functions such as cell growth, proliferation, protein synthesis, and cell survival via anti-apoptotic signaling. Although many aspects of this pathway have been carefully studied, the extent to which it regulates embryonic development remains unclear. Here, I examine Akt function in the early Drosophila embryo and demonstrate that Akt …

Chinese Tallow Long-Term Impact On Stand Dynamics In A Bottomland Hardwood Forest Following Vegetation Management, Nicklaus R. Langlois

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Chinese tallow (Triadica sebifera (L.) Small) is an invasive tree known to have negative impacts on bottomland hardwood forests. Chinese tallow is proficient in reproducing and surviving in bottomland hardwood forests because it is more flood and shade tolerant than most native trees. The long-term effectiveness of Chinese tallow control is an important topic to research as only a few long-term studies of Chinese tallow control have been conducted. A 10-year re-measurement of 22 paired plots installed in 2012 on the Pineywoods Mitigation Bank near Diboll, Texas following herbicide treatments examined Chinese tallow and native tree stand structure. Each …

Molecular Mechanisms Of Exercise-Stimulated Resolution Of Inflammation And Its Dietary Dependence., Ernesto H. Pena Calderin

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Diet-induced obesity and adipose tissue (AT) inflammation that ensues sets the stage for systemic metabolic inflammation, disrupted insulin signaling, and eventual type 2 diabetes (T2D) development. At the center of this pathology lies a disruption in endogenous inflammation resolution pathways characterized by an imbalance in lipid mediator production (greater abundance of pro-inflammatory to pro-resolving lipids). Additionally, obese states are characterized by adrenergic deficiency, especially in response to physical activity. Inflammatory processes have been experimentally mitigated by either the pharmacological inhibition of pro-inflammatory signals (i.e., Leukotriene B₄ (LTB₄) and its receptor BLT1, which establishes a potent chemotactic stimulus …

Industrial Applications Of Molecular Techniques., Jesse Lee Rozsa

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Multidisciplinary research is vital in modern science. Combining molecular genetics with engineering disciplines such as material science, robotics, or 3D printing is not a new concept but one that can continue to lead to breakthroughs that will benefit society. Science does not and should not occur in a vacuum, and, in early 2020, the world saw the emergence of a pandemic that shifted the focus of scientific research for a time. This manuscript describes aspects of this journey and the fruit that was born from this historic event. In this dissertation, we used plants and bacteria to produce compounds that …

Removing The Deficit Lens: Determining Support For Hispanic Newcomer Families In Public School Based On Their Unique Needs And Experiences, Shauna Schubiger

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this mixed methods study is to better understand the diverse needs of Latine newcomer families relocating to the United States and enrolling in a southeastern elementary school. Specifically, this study gathered and analyzed the unique experiences of these families immigrating into the U.S. to fully comprehend what they have been through to arrive here and how schools can help their families become involved in their children’s education. In K-12 education, there is a void which exists regarding who these families are and the need to humanize their journeys. This lack of research can be exacerbated by the …

A Descriptive Study: Aging In Place In The Rural Southeastern United States, Dama G. Cooley

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Older Americans will soon outnumber children and younger adults. In 2022, there were 58 million older adults. By 2050, older adult numbers will grow to 82 million, and by 2060, 100 million. The National Institute on Aging calls for ongoing research on the impact that a historically large aging population will have on health, well-being, and quality of life. A key concern is how to meet needs while decreasing costs associated with institutional long-term care.

Most of these elders reside in the community and wish to live in their homes throughout their lives, but they will experience an increased need …

Testing The Feasibility And Acceptability Of A Mindful Self-Compassion Group Workshop Among Individuals With Eating Disorders: A Pilot Study., Brenna Mary Williams

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Background. Shame and self-criticism are mechanisms shown to influence eating disorders (EDs). Self-compassion has been theorized to target shame and self-criticism and is a protective factor against EDs. One intervention shown to increase self-compassion and reduce shame and self-criticism is the Mindful Self-Compassion program (MSC). However, MSC has yet to be tested among individuals with an ED diagnosis. The current study investigated the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary outcomes of MSC delivered in a live, online format among individuals with an ED. Methods. Sixty-one participants completed baseline questionnaires measuring ED symptoms, trait self-compassion, self-criticism, and shame. Participants also answered questionnaires at …

Exploring Medicaid Stigma In Kentucky., Malea Hoepf Young

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Health insurance is only one of many factors involved in becoming and staying healthy, but the importance of having coverage in the U.S. cannot be overstated. Medicaid provides health care coverage for millions of Americans, with enrollment increasing dramatically after the Affordable Care Act allowed states to expand eligibility. While there is a great deal of research on the impacts of Medicaid expansion on newly eligible adults, there is little research on negative attitudes towards people using Medicaid, or on Medicaid stigma. This study used qualitative methods to conceptualize stigma around Medicaid through discussions with individuals using Medicaid and enrollment …

Enriching The Pcos Lifestyle, Callie Coleman

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is an endocrine disorder affecting approximately 4 – 20% of women worldwide. It is associated with insulin resistance, fertility problems, and an increased susceptibility to chronic conditions through multiple inflammatory pathways. Women with PCOS are also at increased risk for disordered eating. The Mediterranean diet is associated with decreased inflammation and risk of chronic conditions, and intuitive eating principles are associated with decreased disordered eating patterns. The purpose of this study was to determine if a six-week nutrition education workshop incorporating information and skills related to both the Mediterranean lifestyle and intuitive eating principles can improve …

An Application Of An In-Depth Advanced Statistical Analysis In Exploring The Dynamics Of Depression, Sleep Deprivation, And Self-Esteem, Muslihat Gaffari

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Depression, intertwined with sleep deprivation and self-esteem, presents a significant challenge to mental health worldwide. The research shown in this paper employs advanced statistical methodologies to unravel the complex interactions among these factors. Through log-linear homogeneous association, multinomial logistic regression, and generalized linear models, the study scrutinizes large datasets to uncover nuanced patterns and relationships. By elucidating how depression, sleep disturbances, and self-esteem intersect, the research aims to deepen understanding of mental health phenomena. The study clarifies the relationship between these variables and explores reasons for prioritizing depression research. It evaluates how statistical models, such as log-linear, multinomial logistic regression, …

Food Insecurity And Self-Rated Health Of Older Adults In Appalachia, Sarah Kelley

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Food insecurity is prevalent in the United States. Although older adults experience food insecurity at lower-than-average rates, this population is vulnerable to the nutrition and health related implications. Food insecurity is tied to both a diminishment of diet quantity and quality, and is associated with incidence of chronic disease, loss of functional status, and quality of life. This survey seeks to fill a gap in research by looking into the prevalence of food insecurity among older adults in Northeast Tennessee, associations between food insecurity and self-rated health, and associations between food insecurity and geographical limitations.

The Influence Of Teaching Digital Resources Of Myplate On Nutrition Knowledge, Attitudes, And Practice (Kap) For Healthy Eating Habits Of Children, Afaf Alsofyani

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This study examines the influence of teaching digital resources of MyPlate on the nutrition knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) related to healthy eating habits among first and second-grade students. A pre-and post-assessment of this quasi-experimental research study measured the baseline KAP levels of 45 participants regarding healthy eating habits. Students were divided into three groups: digital MyPlate (n =16), pencil-and-paper (n =15), and control (n =14). Following the pre-assessment, an intervention was conducted involving teaching MyPlate and the five food groups. A post-assessment was then implemented to measure the change in KAP levels resulting from the intervention. …

Trauma Informed Schools: Investigating K-12 Educator Perceptions From Professional Learning To Implementing Practices, Kelsey Cupp

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this quantitative study was to further the understanding on how access to trauma-informed professional learning changed research-based practices in classroom and school-wide settings in K-12 schools. The guiding question for this quantitative study was: How has trauma-informed professional learning influenced changes in research-based practices in school-wide and classroom settings in K-12 schools? This research assessed the perceptions of elementary, middle, and high school teachers in one school district to investigate access to trauma-informed professional learning and potential changes in research-based practices in school-wide and classroom settings. Participants were teachers, in Northeast Tennessee, employed in urban schools implementing …

Effect Of Chemical Enhancers On Transdermal Delivery Of Amiloride For Management Of Resistant Hypertension, Oluwatosin Tabitha Leshaodo

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Amiloride, a diuretic used for managing resistant hypertension, is hindered by low oral bioavailability and Gastrointestinal side effects, impacting patient compliance. This study investigates transdermal delivery as an alternative to reduce pill burden and improve adherence. Using dermatomed porcine ear skin, the research examined the passive transdermal delivery of amiloride and the effect of various chemical enhancers, including oleic acid, oleyl alcohol, tocopheryl polyethylene glycol succinate, and N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone, individually or in combination. A validated High-Performance Liquid Chromatography method, adhering to Internal Council for Harmonized guidelines (ICH), was employed for quantitative analysis. In vitro permeation studies, conducted using porcine skin and …

Collective Case Study Career Critique Of Social Entrepreneurs Who Are Gifted Adults, Joi Lin

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation describes a qualitative research study that grows our understanding of the career development experiences, supports, and barriers of social entrepreneurs who are gifted adults (SEGA) so that we may nurture the career development of future SEGA. Research questions for this study probed the career development experiences, supports, and barriers of SEGA and the shared social value they create. The conceptual frameworks for this study are the ecological model for human development (Bronfenbrenner, 1979); the theory of positive disintegration (Dąbrowski, 1964/2016); social cognitive career theory (SCCT; Lent et al., 1994); the perceived instructional arc (Uhrmacher et al., 2017); and …

The Effects Of Wildfire Burn Severity On Bee And Wasp Communities Two Decades Post-Fire, Alaina K. Smith

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

While fire is a natural disturbance in many global ecosystems, anthropogenic changes are affecting fire frequency, severity, and seasonality. Disturbances like wildfire affect bee and wasp communities, but recent meta-analyses are conflicted about whether fire harms or benefits insect pollinators. We investigated the lasting effects of wildfire burn severity on wild bee communities and floral resource availability across different burn severities in two-mixed severity fires that burned >20 years ago. We found that high severity fire has positive effects on bee diversity that are associated with severity-mediated changes to the floral community. We also studied the effects of wildfire burn …

A Critical Policy Analysis Of Universal Preschool In Colorado: Its Roots, Intentions, And Development, Jamita Horton

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

High-quality preschool experiences are essential for preparing four-year-old children for a successful transition to kindergarten, benefiting them academically, emotionally, socially, and physically. However, access to such preschools remains limited, particularly for children from marginalized communities. This qualitative critical policy analysis examines transitioning from the targeted Colorado Preschool Program (CPP) to a universal preschool approach through the 2022 Colorado House Bill 1295: Department of Early Childhood and Universal Preschool Program. Drawing on Young and Diem's (2017) framework for critical policy analysis, this study explores the roots, development, and potential implications of the universal preschool policy.

This study analyzes documents and audio …

Using Self-Assessment Tools And Complementary Alternative Therapy For Chronic Migraines In Menopausal Women, Krystal Rachelle Bridwell

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Abstract

Migraine headaches are ranked as one of the highest disabling conditions in the United States. Women who are in the perimenopausal transition phase have a higher prevalence of disabling migraines that can result in a decreased quality of life, loss of income, decreased productivity, and a higher risk for emotional difficulties. The gap in practice is the lack of education on complementary alternative medicine (CAM) and the use of a migraine diary to recognize individual symptoms as a substitute or cotherapy with pharmacologic treatments. The purpose of this scholarly project was to improve clinical practice and outcomes for perimenopausal …

Omani Camels From A Cultural And Genomics Perspective, Al Muatasim Al Zadjali

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The Dromedarian camel, Camelus dromedarius, is native to the Arabian Peninsula, including the Sultanate of Oman. These camels are used for food, milk, as well as show and racing competitions. Despite their economic and cultural importance research on camels in Oman is limited. The goal of this study was to examine their genomic variation, relationship with camels in other parts of the Arabian Peninsula, and to determine if selective breeding has led to the establishment of distinct breeds in Oman. Information was compiled from multiple sources to produce a comprehensive review on the breeding, management, economic and cultural use, …

Surface Water Quality Assessment Of Mingo Creek County Park: The Impacts Of Extractive Industries, Mikayla J. Bayto

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Historical and current extraction operations and infrastructure, including natural gas pipelines, conventional and unconventional oil and natural gas drilling, longwall coal mining, and strip coal mining, occur throughout the Mingo Creek watershed of Washington County, Pennsylvania, including Mingo Creek County Park. Mingo Creek and several associated tributaries flow through Mingo Creek County Park, eventually discharging into the Monongahela River. An independent water quality study was conducted from June 2020 through July 2023 in Mingo Creek County Park to determine if historical and current extraction activities impact Mingo Creek and its associated tributaries. Weekly sampling of Mingo Creek and associated tributaries …

Comparative Functional And Computational Analyses Of Primate Seminal Proteins: Insights Into Sexual Selection And Hiv/Siv, Emine Feride Kahveci

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Male reproductive protein-coding genes are among the most rapidly evolving genes across many animal taxa, commonly attributed to sexual selection; however, pathogen defense mechanisms might also be contributing factors. This study aimed to both computationally and experimentally investigate the selective pressures responsible for the rapid evolution of seminal proteins. In the first part, the research focused on sexual selection in the form of post-copulatory sperm competition as a driving force behind the evolution of kallikrein related peptidase 3 (KLK3), also known as prostate-specific antigen (PSA), a key prostatic seminal protein. KLK3 is responsible for the liquefaction of semen coagulum through …

The Contributions Of Philosophical Anthropology To Healthcare Ethics, Bura Koroba

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The first principles of bioethics, autonomy, beneficence, nonmaleficence, and justice have contributed immensely to healthcare ethics. The procedural approach streamlines the decision-making process, protects vulnerable subjects, and fosters stability and trust in the patient-caregiver relationship. Yet, the principles are demonstrably insufficient, riddled with limitations and loopholes that could stand in the way of care.[i] Several recommendations have been proffered to remedy the deficiencies. Value ethics, for instance, has been touted as a proficient addendum to the foundations established by the principles. Still, these have not sufficiently addressed all arising issues in bioethics. Besides the challenges encountered in decision-making, opposing …

Within-Day Reliability Of Submaximal Running Economy Testing: Implications For Advanced Footwear Testing, Garrett Oehlert

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Running economy (RE) has been identified as a critical component of endurance performance. Alterations in footwear have shown to significantly impact RE. Quantifying reliability of within-day RE measures may determine differences that could be expected when testing footwear. PURPOSE: Assess within-day reliability of RE testing on a calibrated metabolic system. METHODS: Trained male distance runners (n=10) were recruited to perform 4 × 5-minute trials (set speed, in habitual running shoes) at their estimated marathon pace (5-minute rest period) during a single visit to the lab. Oxygen consumption (VO2) data were collected during the final two minutes of each stage and …

Design And Synthesis Of Novel Mitochondrial Pyruvate Carrier Inhibitors For The Treatment Of Metabolic Disorders, Henry Politte

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

No abstract provided.

The Evaluation Of Acute: Chronic Workload Ratios For Integration Into The Injury Mitigation Strategy Of A Sport Organization., Matthew K. Daunis

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The use of the acute:chronic workload ratio (ACWR) is a strategy presented as a means of mitigating the injury risk athletes are exposed to from their regular participation in sport. However, the current literature is inconclusive towards its effectiveness at actually mitigating injuries. The purpose of this dissertation was to determine if ACWR should be integrated into an injury mitigation strategy of a sport organization and, if so, what input, computation, and injury-related methodologies should be used with it. Retrospective injury data and velocity-based distances from training and competition demands from collegiate women’s field hockey athletes were used to investigate …

Tongue-Tie: Impact On Oropharyngeal Function During Swallow., Kolbie A. Vincent

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Swallowing is an intricate process involving over 50 muscle pairs and numerous nerves, with dysphagia resulting from deficits in various stages (Hennessy & Goldenberg, 2016). Lingual restriction may adversely impact swallowing function, affecting bolus preparation, size, and overall efficiency. Tongue-tie can pose challenges to speech, chewing, and swallowing (Becker & Mendez, 2022; Chaubal et al, 2011; García-Pola, M. J., et al., 2002). This pilot study seeks to determine how tongue-tie affects swallowing function in an adult male, and whether surgical revision of a submucosal lingual tether leads to measurable changes in oropharyngeal swallow function. Results showed inconsistent changes in diameter …

Porphyromonas Gingivalis Inactivates Anti-Viral Immunity At The Oral And Respiratory Epithelium., Carlos J. Rodriguez Hernandez

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The host microbiome plays an important role in fine-tuning host immune responses in a manner that ultimately impacts outcomes in viral infection. Symbiotic relationships between commensal bacteria and host epithelial and immune cells prime interferon (IFN) signaling, modulating the nature and intensity of the immune response to viral infections at mucosal barrier surfaces. In this doctoral thesis, I explore how dysbiotic shifts in the oral microbial communities modulate antiviral responses at the oral and oro-respiratory mucosal barriers. I identified that in response to a viral challenge, gingival epithelial cells (GECs) preferentially induced type III IFNs (IFN-λ), a newly described family …

The Utilization Of Grassroots Organizing By Black Women Pioneers To Achieve Reproductive Justice., Madison Ruth Ellsworth

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Since enslavement in the United States Black women have cultivated different ways to fight for their Reproductive Justice. After emancipation Black women have continued to utilize the practices learned from our ancestors to obtain Reproductive Justice. Despite the women’s movement becoming mainstream in the 1960s many Black women continued to grassroots organize to adequately address the issues that were unique to them. The efforts of various Black women organizers tend to go unacknowledged because the mainstream women’s movement attracts the attention of most. In my research I focused on Byllye Avery, Loretta Ross, and Toni Bond to explore and showcase …

Relationships Between Fitness Levels, Physical Activity Participation, Hemoglobin A1c Levels, And Motor Proficiency In Adolescent Patients With Type 1 Diabetes., Caroline E. Frye

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Physical activity is a critical component of a healthy lifestyle and can lead to improved fitness levels and blood glucose management, as well as decreased HbA1c levels. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to determine if there are relationships between cardiorespiratory fitness, muscular strength, muscular endurance, flexibility, body composition, physical activity participation, hemoglobin A1C levels, and motor proficiency in adolescent patients with T1D. METHODS: Pediatric patients with a diagnosis of T1D enrolled in a sports medicine program were invited to participate in this study. Retrospective clinical chart reviews were conducted to determine participant’s sociodemographic and anthropometric measures and most …